We often hear these phrases uttered by folks who seek to highlight the personal experiences or personal feelings they have with others who they believe have expressed animosity or visibly exhibited disdain towards them.

Because I have typically heard the term "Hater" used in an urban setting, I found it only fitting to check out the definition of a "Hater" in the Urban Dictionary so that I could fully understand what being a "Hater" looks like.

According to the Urban Dictionary, a "Hater" is 'a person that simply cannot be happy for another person's success.’

Based on that definition, I could have received some really good news concerning a lifestyle enhancement or upgrade and a “Hater” would find a way to say something negative or demeaning about me or my exciting news. To be more specific, it is the equivalent of a person being blessed with the purchase of a new car and then having a “Hater” come and diss you because the car is a 2011 model vehicle instead of a 2013 model.

Going a bit further, the Urban Dictionary also gives another definition of the term "Hater" which I really, really like. It says that “Hater” is an ‘overused word that people like to use just because someone else expresses a dislike for a certain individual or certain thing.’ In other words, there are people that call other people “Haters” for no justifiable reason.

An example of this would be:

PERSON #1: I don't like that new song by Beyonce.

PERSON #2: You're such a hater!!!

Is Person #1 truly guilty of being a “Hater” because they don’t like something or someone? I say ‘ABSOLUTELY NOT’!

I don’t like Prune Juice. I don’t like Skinny Jeans. I don’t like Cats (sorry cat lovers) and I don’t like Rats. Above all, I don’t like manipulators and people who take advantage of others. There are many things that I consider to be pet peeves of mine, which are indicative of things I don’t like or may despise immensely.

The word hater originates from the word hate. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to “Hate” is ‘to have a strong aversion to; find very distasteful; to dislike intensely or passionately; detest.’

I suspect I differ from most people in that I’m not too concerned with being called a “Hater.” There are many things that I have a strong aversion to. There are many things that a find very distasteful. There are many things that I dislike intensely and passionately. There are many things that I detest. So based on the Merriam-Webster definition of what a “Hater” is, that would make me one.

I “Hate” seeing my people constantly lied to and manipulated by those who they have put their faith in to trust. I “Hate” seeing people degrade our Black women through music and pictures. I “Hate” seeing our community being dismantled before our very eyes because we operate with a sense of apathy and lack of unity. I “Hate” seeing people attacking others for doing the same thing they are doing. I “Hate” seeing our Black dollar leave this community and never come back.

Even God expresses that there are some things He hates. In the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, Proverbs 6:16-19 reads:

16 These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

There is a difference between being a “Hater” of things and people who are negative and unjust, and being jealous or envious of people. Those who have negative energy and who operate with a spirit of jealousy and envy, actually fuel my positive progress. Those who are jealous of me and who envy me only make me stronger and more capable.

So, the next time someone calls you a “Hater,” make sure you know exactly what they are calling you. They may just be paying you a compliment.